Makeup accessory

ABSTRACT

A makeup accessory comprising a base and a frame carrying a mirror mounted on the base, a bracket comprising pairs of pivoted members which permit pivoting the frame of the device mounting the frame to the base from a closed position over the base to an intermediate position extending outwardly beyond the side of the base of the device, and further swinging the frame from the intermediate position to an open position with the frame upstanding from one side of the base.

United States Patent Soltan, Alfred B.

6789 Clyde St., Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375 779,979

Nov. 29, 1968 July 6, 1971 [72] Inventor [21] Appl. No.

(22] Filed [45] Patented [541' MAKEUP ACCESSORY 10 Claims, 13 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl. 240/4.2, 240/6.45 [$1] lnt.Cl. F2lv 33/00 [50] Field 0| Search 240/41, 6.4, 6.45, 6.45 P; 132/82, 83; 206/4513, 76; 220/31. 37

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,774,331 8/1930 Koller 240/645 2,200,114 5/1940 Konikofi -240/4.2

Le Baron 220/37 3,111,275 11/1963 Pfisterer..... 240/41 3,268,715 8/1966 Rothma'n 240/42 3,305,679 2/1967 Barcita-Peruchena.'...... 240/42 3,368,068 2/1968 Cronheim 240/42 Primary Examiner- Samuel S Matthews Assist!!! Exuminer- Richard M. Sheer Allurnvy- Burton L. Lilling' ABSTRACT: A makeup accessory comprising a base and a frame carrying a mirror mounted on the base, a bracket comprising pairs of pivoted members which permit pivoting the frame of the device mounting the frame to the base from a closed position over the base to an intermediate position extending outwardly beyond the side of the base of the device, and further swinging the frame from the intermediate position to an open'position with the frame upstanding from one side of the base,

PATENTEU JUL 6:911 3.591.792

saw 1 or 4 IN'VI'IN'I ()lt ALFRED H. SOLTAN ATTORNEY PATENTEDJUL SIB?! 359L792 sum 2 or 4 LWl-LVI'OR. ALFRED H. scum ATTORNEY PATENTEUJUL SIB?! 359L792 SHEET 3 BF 4 LYVENIUR. ALFRED H.5OLTAN BY 4 Z a}? 664 ATTORNEY PATENTED JUL 6 IQYI SHEET t UF 4 ATTORNEY MAKEUP ACCESSORY SUMMARY It is an important object of the present invention to provide a makeup accessory in the nature of a portable container for carrying articles of makeup which converts to a vanity stand or upstanding mirror for use in application of makeup.

. It is another object of the present invention to provide a makeup accessory of the type described which is neat andattractive in both its closed, carrying case condition, and open vanity stand condition, and which may be quickly and easily converted between the two conditions with a minimum of effort.

{It is a further object of the present invention to provide a makeup accessory of the type described wherein amirror is provided exteriorly of the accessory accessory inits carrying case condition, and the mirror upstands from and faces inwardly toward the vanity stand when in its operative condition of use.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a unique mounting structure interconnecting a mirror carrying frame with the remainder of the instant case for quick and.

easy conversion between its closed and open positions, and wherein effective illumination is afforded for use in the open vanity stand condition and is adapted for connection to an ex-. terior source of electrical power.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in thefeaturesof construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in. the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustratinga mounting structure interconnecting the upper frame and lower base of the vanity case of FIGS. 1 and 2, separate and apart from the frame and base; I

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 1, through the mounting structure;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line.77 of FIG. 2; FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a slightly modified form of interconnecting frame and base mounting structure of the present invention in exploded condition for clarity of understanding;

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but illustrating the mounting structure of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but illustrating the mounting structure of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of the mounting structure in accordance with the tea'c'hings of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view similar to FIGS. 6 and .9, but illustrating the mounting structure of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7'and. 10, but illustrating the mounting structure of FIG. 11.

2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now more particularly to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, and specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a makeup accessory or convertible vanity case of the present invention, generally designated 20. The vanity case may include a lower part or base 21, which may be of generally circular outline configuration, as illustrated, or any other desired configuration. The base 21 may be fabricated of molded'plastic, or other suitable material, and includes a circumferential outer wall22. An upper base wall 23 extendsentirely along and inwardly from the upper edge of'the-outer wall22. Adjacent tothe rear side of the base 21, the upper wall 23 extends inwardly beyond the remainder of the outer wall, as in a chordal region 24. The inner margin of the upper wall 23 may be recessed as at 25, the recess extending along the upper wall and having its opposite ends. terminating at the chordal upper wall region 24. An inner wall 26 depends from the inner edge of the recess 25 and the inner edge of the chordal upper wall region 24; and, a bottom wall 27 may extend across and between the lower edges of the inner wall 26. As will appear more fully hereinafter, the chordal region 24 of the upper wall 23 is recessed, as at 28.

Superposed on the base 21 is a frame 31, which may also be of annular or other suitable configuration, and of lesser dimensions than that of the base 21. The frame 31 may also be fabricated of plastic, or other suitable material, and may include an outer circumferential wall 32 which may, inthe closed condition of FIG. 1, be seated on the upwardly facing recess or shoulder 25, an upper frame wall 33 extending about and radially inwardly from the upper edge of'the outer frame wall 32, and an inner frame wall 34 extending along and depending from the inner edge of the upper frame wall 33. Thus, theframe 31 is centrally open and of hollow construction. Suitably mounted in the central opening of the frame 31 may be av conformably received mirror 36, being secured by any suitable means, such as fasteners 37, see FIG. 3. Located in the hollow of the frame 31, extending thereabout between the outer wall 32, upper wall 33 and inner wall 34 may be an an.- nular illuminating means or lamp 38. The lamp may be replaceable and is firmly held in position by clips 39 integral with, and extending radially inward from, the inner surface of the outer frame wall 32. The clips 39 have a degree of flexibility permitting of snap engagement in and withdrawal therefrom of the lamp 38.

lnterconnecting the base 21 and frame 31 is-a mounting structure, best seen in FIG. 5, and there generally designated 40. The mounting structure may include a lower hinge, member or plate 41 suitably fixed, as by fasteners 42, see FIG. 7, to the inner surface of outer base wall 22 adjacent to the rear side thereof. The hinge member or plate 41 may be provided at opposite .sides with inwardly extending flanges 43, which provide fixed journal bearings, as will appear presently. A hinge pin or pivot 44 extends between upper regions of the flanges 43, havingits opposite ends extending rotatably through said respective flanges for hearing support thereby.

An additional hinge member or plate 46 includes a lower plate portion 47 having one end extending into the space between flanges 43 and there provided with hinge knuckles 48 circumposed about the pin or pivot 44. In this manner, the hinge member or plate 46 is pivotally connected to the hinge member or plate 41 for relative swingingmovement about the axis of pivot 44, which lies in a plane generally parallel to the planes of base 21 and frame 3]. Suitable resilient means, such as a'coil spring 49, may be circumposed about the pivot 44 having its ends 50 anchored to the plate 41, as by upset porf tions 51, and having a medial portion 52 in bearing engage-.

ment with the upper side of plate portion 47 to urge the latter in one direction of rotation about pivot 44. It will thus be appreciated that the=plate portion 47 ismounted with respect to theplate 41 for dihedral angular movement with :respect thereto.

Extending from the inner end of plate portion 47, the plate 46 is formed with a generally U-shaped bend 54 and extends therefrom to an upper plate portion 55 spaced over and generally parallel to the lower plate portion 47. The plate portion 55 may be formed with one or more upstanding stop lugs 53 for the purpose appearing presently.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper base wall 23 and recessed region 28 of the chordal upper base wall extension 24 are open or cut away as at 56 adjacent to the rear side of the base, to receive the upper plate portion 55 of the plate 54. Superposed on the upper side of the upper plate portion 55 is an additional plate portion 57; and, a hollow pivot 58 extends rotatably through the superposed plate portions 55 and 57 to connect the same for relative rotation about the axis of the pivot. As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the hollow pivot 58 extends generally transverse of the planes of the base 21 and frame 31, the pivot including a resilient retaining ring 59 in bearing engagement with the underside of plate portion 55 to maintain the plate portions 55 and 57 in facing engagement with each other while permitting of relative rotation therebetween. Extending upwardly from the outer side of plate portion 57, as seen in FIGS. and 6, is a plate 60 adapted for fixed securement to the inner surface of outer frame wall 32, as by fasteners 61.

It will therefore be appreciated that the facing plate portions 57 and 5S define a pair of pivoted members, as do the plate portions 47 and 41. Further, the plate portions 55 and 47 are integrally connected together, as by the bent plate portion 54.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, a fluorescent lamp connector bracket 63 is connected to the lamp 38 in a rearward region of the frame 31, over the base recess 28. Extending from the connector 63 may be conductors 64 passing downwardly through the hollow rivet or pivot 58, and thence through a hole 65 in the member 47 to the interior of the chordal base portion 24. A conventional fluorescent ballast 66 may be mounted interiorly of the chordal base portion 24, and one of the conductors 64 is connected to the ballast and then to a switch 67 and both conductors 64 then pass through a grommet 68 in the plate 41 and outer base wall 22 exteriorly of the base. The conductors 64 are connected with suitable slack to permit relative movement of the frame 31, as will appear presently.

In the solid line condition of FIG. 6, it will be apparent that the frame 31 is disposed generally parallel to and over the base 21, in closing relation thereto. The resilient means or spring 49 effectively maintains the frame in its closing relation by the yielding engagement thereof with member 47. However, the frame 31 may be swung about the axis of pivot 44, together with the plate 54 into the position shown in FIG. 7, and may be further swung about the axis of pivot 58 to a position extending outwardly beyond the base 21. Swinging or pivotal move ment of the frame 31 about the transverse axis of pivot 58 is limited to approximately 180 by limiting engagement of the lugs or stops 53 with opposite edges of the plate portion 57. After 180 rotation of the frame 31 about the axis of pivot 58,

the frame may be swung about pivot 44 to place the lowermost frame portion in the recess 28, as seen in FIG. 7. It will there be observed that the frame assumes an upstanding position with the mirror 36 facing inwardly of the base 21, the lower region of the frame 31 being received in the recess 28 in abutting engagement therein and yieldably held in this position by spring 49.

The lamp 38 may provide effective illumination, as through translucence of the frame wall 33. Return of the frame 31 to its original or closed condition of FIGS. 1 and 6 may be readily accomplished by reversal of the above-described procedure. It will be apparent that the conductors 64 are not subjected to undue stress, the rotation thereof being limited to 180, and being of a length adequate to absorb this rotation without damage.

If it is desired to employ the instant makeup accessory 20 in an intermediate position between the solid line positions of FIGS. 6 and 7, this may be done, the mirror 36 having reflective surfaces on both sides, and the lamp 38 affording illumination in both directions.

In the slightly modified embodiment of FIGS. 8--l0, wherein similar reference numerals are used to demote similar parts, the base 21a and frame 31a may be substantially identical to the base 21 and frame 31. However, the mounting structure 40a differs from the mounting structure 40. In particular, a plate 410 is fixed interiorly to the rear region of outer base wall 22a, and includes a pair of spaced inturned flanges 43a providing journal means. A hinge member or plate 46a ineludes a lower plate portion 47a having ears 44a rotatably received in respective flanges 43a to mount the plate 46a for swinging movement about an axis generally parallel to the planes of the base 21a and frame 31a, as seen in the position of FIG. 9. The plate 46a includes an upper plate portion 55a connected to the lower plate portion 47a, as by an intermediate, offsetting plate portion 54a. Resilient means, such as a leaf spring 49a may be fixed at one end 50a, as by a rivet 51a to the plate 41a, its other end bearing on the upper side of lower plate portion 470 to yieldably urge the latter downward about the axis of ears 44a. One or more stop lugs 53a may project upwardly from the upper plate portion 55a, and an additional plate 57a may be seated in facing engagement with the upper side of the upper plate portion 55a and rotatably secured thereto as by a hollow rivet 58a extending through the plate portions 55a and 57a. The rivet 58a thus defines a pivot extending transversely of the planes of base 210 and frame 31a, and maintains the plate portions 55a and 57a in frictional bearing engagement by a spring washer 59a, or other suitable resilient means.

A plate 60a upstands from the plate portion 57a and is fixedly secured interiorly to the outer wall 32a of the frame 31a by any suitable means, such as rivets 61a. Electrical conductors 64a may be connected to the lamp 380 and extend therefrom through the hollow rivet or pivot 58a to suitable transformer means 66a and a switch 67a, as required.

In operation, the makeup accessory of FIGS. 8 10 is essentially the same as that of FIGS. 17, the frame 31a being pivotable relative to the base 21a about the transverse axis of pivot 58a to an outboard position extending outwardly beyond the rear side of the base. The frame 31a is thence swingable to its upstanding position of FIG. 10, about the axis of cars 44a generally parallel to the planes of the base 21a and frame 31a, to locate the lower region of the frame in limiting bearing engagement in the recess 28a.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-13, wherein similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals, the recess 28b of the base 21b is not cut out, but rather is formed with an upset, upwardly facing plate portion 55b. A plate 47b rests on the plate portion 55b, and a hollow rivet or pivot 58b extends through the plate portions 55b and 47b along an axis transverse of the planes of base 21b and frame 31b. The tubular pivot 58b is provided with a coil compression spring 49b cir cumposed about the pivot beneath the plate portion 55b and resiliently urging the pivot downwardly; and washers 91 being provided to provide a bearing surface between the spring 49b and plate 55b. 0n the upper side of plate portion 47b, circumposed about the pivot 58b is a disc-shaped cam 70 including a generally flat central portion 71, and an annular outer flange 72 extending obliquely upwardly and outwardly. The disc-shaped cam 70 is yieldably held downwardly on the upper surface of plate portion 47b by an upper end flange 73 on the tubular rivet 58b, and the resilient action of spring 49b.

A plate portion 57b is pivotally connected to one side of the plate portion 47b, the plate portion 57b being provided with knuckles 74, and the plate portion 47b being provided with knuckles 75 interfitting with knuckles 74 and combining therewith to receive a pivot pin 44b. Remote from the pivot pin 44b, the plate portion 57b is provided with an upstanding plate 60b for fixed connection, as by rivets 61b to the interior of frame outer wall 32b.

A lamp 38b is mounted in the frame 31b in the aforedescribed manner, and provided with conductors 64b extending from the lamp downwardly through the hollow tubular pivot 58b for connection interiorly of the chordal base portion 24b to a transformer 66b and switch 67b.

it will be appreciated that a region 76 of plate portion 57b, located intermediate the knuckles 75, extends into the plate portion 47b for location beneath the cam disc 70, in the position shown in FIG. 12.

That is, in the closed position of FIG. 12, the resiliently biased cam disc or member 70 releasably maintains the plate portion 57b in its closed position, as by yieldable bearing pressure on the region 76 of plate portion 57b. From this condition, the frame 31b may be swung or pivoted to an intermediate position extending outwardly beyond the rear side of the base 21b about the axis of pivot pin or tube 58b, which extends transversely of the base and frame. From the intermediate condition, the frame may be swung upwardly about the axis of pivot 44b to locate the lower region of frame 31b in the recess 28b. Further, upon this upward swinging movement, the plate region 76 deflects the resiliently biased cam disc 70 upwardly and rides across the cam region 71 onto the angularly disposed cam region 72, as seen in FIG. 13. With the free edge of plate region 76 engaging the angulate cam region 72, as shown in FIG. 13, the frame 311: is resiliently maintained by action of the cam 70 in its upstanding condition. Of course, return of the frame 31b to its closed position of FIG. 12 may be obtained by mere reversal of the above-described procedure.

in FIG. 4 there is shown a slightly modified lamp holding means, comprising a leaf spring 39c which is reversely bent with one end free and its other end anchored to the frame outer wall 320. The lamp 380 is releasably retained in the same manner as lamp 38.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a makeup accessory in the nature of a convertible vanity case which fully accomplishes its intended objects and is well adapted to meet practical conditions of manufacture and use.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A makeup accessory comprising a base, a frame superposed on said base, a mirror extending across said frame, mounting means adjacent to one side of said base mounting said frame on said base for swinging movement between a closed generally horizontal position with said mirror facing upwardly and an upstanding position with said mirror facing inwardly from said one base side, said mounting means comprising a first pair of pivoted members connecting said frame to said base and having a pivotal axis transverse of both said base and frame for pivoting the latter to an intermediate position extending outwardly beyond said one base side, and a second pair of pivoted members connecting said frame to said base and having a pivotal axis generally parallel to said frame and base for swinging said frame from said intermediate position to said upstanding position, one of said first pair of pivoted members being integral with one of said second pair of pivoted members, and said first pair of pivoted members comprising a pair of facing plate portions, and a first pivot extending through said pair of plate portions transversely of said base and frame.

2. A makeup accessory according to claim 1, wherein said base comprises a receptacle, and said frame and mirror comprises a cover for said receptacle when said frame is in its closed position.

3. A makeup accessory according to claim 1, in combination with illuminating means carried by said frame.

4. A makeup accessory according to claim 1, in combination with electrical illuminating means carried by said frame, conductor means extending from said illuminating means into said base, and a stop lug on at least one of said plate portions limiting pivotal movement thereof.

5. A makeup accessory according to claim 4, said first pivot being hollow, and said conductor means extending through the hollow of said first pivot between said frame and base.

6. A makeup accessory according to claim 1, in combination with a second pivot connecting said second pair of pivoted members together for relative swinging movement of said frame and base in dihedral angular relation about an axis transverse of said first pivot.

7. A makeup accessory according to claim 6, in combination with resilient means urging said second pair of pivoted members in one direction of their relative swinging movement to bias said frame toward its closed and upstanding positions according to the relative position of movement of said first pairv of pivoted members.

8. A makeup accessory according to claim 7, said second pair of pivoted members comprising hinge members, said second pivot comprising a hinge pin pivotally connecting said hinge members, and said resilient means comprising a spring operatively connected between said hinge members.

9. A makeup accessory according to claim 6, in combination with a resiliently yieldable cam having angularly disposed abutment portions, one cam abutment portion being engageable with said second pair of pivoted members when said frame is closed to yieldable maintain the frame closed, and another abutment portion being engageable with said second pair of pivoted members when said frame is open to yieldably maintain the frame open.

10. A makeup accessory according to claim 9, said cam comprising a disc seated on said plate portions and extending over one of said second pair of pivoted members for abutting engagement therewith. 

1. A makeup accessory comprising a base, a frame superposed on said base, a mirror extending across said frame, mounting means adjacent to one side of said base mounting said frame on said base for swinging movement between a closed generally horizontal position with said mirror facing upwardly and an upstanding position with said mirror facing inwardly from said one base side, said mounting means comprising a first pair of pivoted members connecting said frame to said base and having a pivotal axis transverse of both said base and frame for pivoting the latter to an intermediate position extending outwardly beyond said one base side, and a second pair of pivoted members connecting said frame to said base and having a pivotal axis generally parallel to said frame and base for swinging said frame from said intermediate position to said upstanding position, one of said first pair of pivoted members being integral with one of said second pair of pivoted members, and said first pair of pivoted members comprising a pair of facing plate portions, and a first pivot extending through said pair of plate portions transversely of said base and frame.
 2. A makeup accessory according to claim 1, wherein said base comprises a receptacle, and said frame and mirror comprises a cover for said receptacle when said frame is in its closed position.
 3. A makeup accessory according to claim 1, in combination with illuminating means carried by said frame.
 4. A makeup accessory according to claim 1, in combination with electrical illuminating means carried by said frame, conductor means extending from said illuminating means into said base, and a stop lug on at least one of said plate portions limiting pivotal movement thereof.
 5. A makeup accessory according to claim 4, said first pivot being hollow, and said conductor means extending through the hollow of said first pivot between said frame and base.
 6. A makeup accessory according to claim 1, in combination with a second pivot connecting said second pair of pivoted members together for relative swinging movement of said frame and base in dihedral angular relation about an axis transverse of said first pivot.
 7. A makeup accessory according to claim 6, in combination with resilient means urging said second pair of pivoted members in one direction of their relative swinging movement to bias said frame toward its closed and upstanding positions according to the relative position of movement of said first pair of pivoted members.
 8. A makeup accessory according to claim 7, said second pair of pivoted members comprising hinge members, said second pivot comprising a hinge pin pivotally connecting said hinge members, and said resilient means comprising a spring operatively connected between said hinge members.
 9. A makeup accessory according to claim 6, in combination with a resiliently yieldable cam having angularly disposed abutment portions, one cam abutment portion being engageable with said second pair of pivoted members when said frame is closed to yieldable maintain the frame closed, and another abutment portion being engageable with said second pair of pivoted members when said frame is open to yieldably maintain the frame open.
 10. A makeup accessory according to claim 9, said cam comprising a disc seated on said plate portions and extending over one of said second pair of pivoted members for abutting engagement therewith. 